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The Discipleship Path is a roadmap for deepening your relationship with Christ.
WEEK 4: Invest — October 11-17
When we hear the word “invest,” we might think about money or saving for the future. But Jesus invites us to invest in something even more important: His Kingdom and the people He has placed in our lives. To invest means to intentionally give something of ourselves because we believe it is worth it. As disciples, we can invest our time, talents, gifts, resources, friendships, and energy in ways that help others know and love Jesus.
As we continue our C.H.R.I.S.T. Discipleship Path, we see how Community, Holiness, Retreat, and Invest go hand in hand. When we journey together as a Community, we are known, loved, and encouraged to grow closer to Christ. As we grow in Holiness and make space for God (Retreat) to renew us, we are moved to Invest in our parish through active participation in ministries, service, and sharing our gifts. In giving of ourselves, we help create a place where others can encounter Christ and journey with Him. Together, we are becoming a community of disciples making disciples—knowing and loving Jesus and making Him better known.
OPENING PRAYER
Loving God, we thank You for the many ways You invite us into deeper relationship with You. You continually provide for us, nourish us, and call us to share in Your life. As we explore the I in CHRIST — Invest, help us recognize the gifts You have given us and show us how You are asking us to invest our time, talents, relationships, and resources in You and in others. Give us generous hearts that are willing to respond to Your invitation and courage to invite others to the feast of Your love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading — Isaiah 25:6–10a: God prepares a rich feast for all people and promises to wipe away every tear and bring salvation.
Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 23: The Lord is our shepherd who provides for us, guides us, and fills our lives with His abundance.
Second Reading — Philippians 4:12–14, 19–20: St. Paul reminds us that Christ gives us strength to live faithfully in every circumstance.
Gospel — Matthew 22:1–14: Jesus teaches that God invites everyone to His heavenly feast and calls us to respond to His invitation.
Additional Scripture Passages:
1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”
FATHER'S HOMILY FROM SUNDAY 10/11
QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION AND DIALOG
- What does the word “invest” mean to you when you think about your faith and discipleship?
- God has given each of us different gifts, talents, time, and experiences. What is one gift you recognize in yourself that you could use to serve others?
- In the Gospel, many were invited to the wedding feast but did not respond. What can sometimes keep us from responding to God’s invitation to serve?
- How has serving another person ever helped you grow closer to Jesus or strengthened your faith?
- Where do you feel God may be inviting you to invest more of yourself right now—your family, parish, friendships, or community?
- What is one concrete way you can “INVEST” this week, and who could you invite to join you?
PRAY
- Pray with gratitude: Thank God for the gifts, people, and opportunities He has placed in your life.
- Pray for guidance: Ask God, “Where are You inviting me to invest myself?” and listen for His response.
- Pray for generosity: Ask the Holy Spirit for a generous heart that is willing to give your time, talents, and attention to others.
ACT
- Give your time: Volunteer for a parish ministry or service opportunity this week.
- Use your gifts: Identify one talent or skill God has given you and find a practical way to use it for someone else.
- Discern joining a new ministry and visit our website to ministry options.
- Serve where you are: Look around your home, parish, or community and intentionally meet one person's need.
INSPIRE
- Invite someone: Join us for the International Festival next weekend at St. Mary.
- Share your story: Tell someone how serving others has helped you encounter Jesus.
- Be an example: Serve joyfully and humbly, allowing others to see what it looks like to put faith into action.
INTERCESSIONS AND CLOSING PRAYER
Intercessions for the Group: Take some time to pray together for the persons or people on the hearts of your small group members.
Closing Prayer:
Christ Has No Body written by Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
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